Azerbaijan in the Abraham Accords: A new phase in Baku's alliance with Israel? (April 22, 2025, The New Arab)
Azerbaijan’s close relationship with Israel is no longer a well-kept secret. Since the 1990s, a strategic “energy-for-arms” partnership has formed the backbone of their ties. So why are there emerging efforts for Baku to join the Abraham Accords?
Sri Lanka: Former 'Tamil Tigers' struggle to reintegrate (April 4, 2025, Deutsche Welle)
Nearly 16 years after Sri Lanka's civil war, former female fighters from the country's northern provinces still have limited opportunities. “Somehow, I feel I am better prepared for death than for life…"
Iran’s “Futuristic Weapon” Rattles Pentagon! Has It Leapfrogged China, Russia & The US In Plasma Tech? (April 4, 2025, The EurAsian Times)
Amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the global defense community was rocked by a stunning claim from Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell about Iran’s dazzling progress in a dangerous weapon system, hitherto a domain of science fiction movies.
Duterte’s ICC arrest is the first domino: Can new leaders rise in the power struggle ahead? (April 11, 2025, The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism)
The Philippines has always struggled to hold presidents to account for abusing their power. The political division in the aftermath of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest underscores deep and unresolved issues. PCIJ spoke to key voices to explore what it would take to rebuild, reconcile and heal a nation left deeply divided.
Dreams and Nightmares: Georgia Navigates Russia-Europe Tensions in the South Caucasus (April 4, 2025, Weave News)
For the past few months, the world has been watching mass protests unfold in Georgia. Caught between European integration and growing Russian influence, Georgians continue to push back against years of Kremlin-led democratic erosion. Their fight extends beyond Russia, shaping Georgia’s place in a shifting global order where the European Union (EU), the United States, and China also hold powerful influence.
Small nation, big crossfire: What happens to Malaysia when the elephants dance? (April 17, 2025, The Edge Malaysia)
In a world where geopolitical tensions increasingly shape trade flows, security alliances, and digital infrastructure, Malaysia has found itself not on the sidelines — but squarely in the crossfire. Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, our country has long danced a diplomatic ballet between the two largest economies: the United States and China. Today, that balancing act is becoming more perilous than ever.
Why Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's 'two-nation' speech is going viral (April 17, 2025, Business Standard)
Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir emphasised that the ideological divide between Hindus and Muslims was the foundation of Pakistan's creation, stating that Pakistanis are "fundamentally different from Hindus in religion, culture, traditions, thoughts, and ambitions."
China Plays South China Sea-Style “Salami Slicing” Tricks In The Yellow Sea; What’s Cooking In Indo-Pacific? (April 19, 2025, The EurAsian Times)
After aggressive posturing in the South China Sea, China is upping the ante in the Yellow Sea, following the building of a gigantic steel rig. This has been a bone of contention between South Korea and China. The Coast Guards of the two countries recently had a standoff after Korean ships wanted to investigate the steel structure.
Yes, some of China’s educated youth just asserted sovereignty over Australia (March 31, 2025, Lowy Institute - The Interpreter)
Last month, three Chinese naval vessels conducted live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea without prior notification to Canberra while on a voyage circling Australia. The drills not only heightened tensions within the Australian government but also ignited a bizarre wave of nationalist fervour back in China.
China’s cultural conquest of the Arctic (April 3, 2025, GIS Reports Online)
China’s Arctic ambition might defy geography, but it perfectly aligns with its bold plan to reshape global culture. China plans to achieve “polar great power” status by 2030. Beijing is expanding its cultural influence through strategic investments. Arctic presence will serve as a foothold to expand Chinese sway in Europe.
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Joann Pittman
Joann Pittman is Vice President of Partnership and China Engagement and editor of ZGBriefs. Prior to joining ChinaSource, Joann spent 28 years working in China, as an English teacher, language student, program director, and cross-cultural trainer for organizations and businesses engaged in China. She has also taught Chinese at the University …View Full Bio
Blessing Asia
In October-2022 more than 500 Christian leaders from across Asia gathered in Thailand for the Asia 2022 Congress, sponsored by the Lausanne Movement and various partnering organizations. I had the opportunity to participate in the Congress virtually and was mightily blessed. From Bible exposition to K-pop worship, and through seminars and workshops, the participants were encouraged by the stories of what God is doing in countries all over Asia. Clearly, God is on the move.
A beautiful vision was portrayed in a video of the popular worship song The Blessing, featuring singers from all over Asia. Here it is:
Many of the sessions have already been posted on their website and to their YouTube channel.
One that I found particularly helpful considering all that is going on in China was a presentation titled Church and State Relationship in Asia Today. You can see the video here.
I encourage you to spend some time on their website; there are fantastic resources for understanding God’s work in Asia today.
Original link: https://www.chinasource.org/resource-library/blog-entries/blessing-asia/
Image credit: Andrea Brucker, via Unsplash
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